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Geography

Mrs O Cox

Head of Department

Miss S Pennell

Subject Teacher

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INTRODUCTION

If you're curious about the world around you and want to explore how people interact with their environment, studying geography could be the perfect fit for you. Geography isn’t just about memorizing maps; it’s about understanding global issues like climate change, urbanization, sustainability, and how different cultures shape and are shaped by their surroundings. If you enjoy solving problems, analyzing data, and looking at the bigger picture, geography offers a dynamic way to engage with both the natural and social sciences.

By studying geography, you’ll acquire skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. Careers in urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and international development are just a few paths you could take. Geography helps you develop strong analytical skills as you learn to interpret data, maps, and spatial patterns to make sense of complex global issues. You'll also improve your problem-solving abilities, especially when tackling environmental challenges and resource management. The communication skills you gain will be invaluable, whether you're presenting your findings, working in teams, or discussing solutions for a better future.

FACILITIES

The Geography Department at Erne Integrated College offers a dynamic and engaging curriculum for all students in Year 8 to Year 14, designed to spark curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the world around them. Pupils have opportunities to develop their geographical skills through local, national and global contexts and develop whole curriculum skills and capabilities.

Pupils study the natural and built environment and the human aspect of Geography. They have the opportunity to explore the part they can play in shaping and protecting the environment around them, developing a sense of place by studying relevant issues and how societies differ.

KEY STAGE 3

At KS3, students explore a broad range of topics from physical landscapes and ecosystems to human geography and current local and global issues, while developing key skills in map reading, data analysis, and critical thinking. As they progress to Key Stage 4, the department builds on this foundation, guiding students through the GCSE CCEA Geography syllabus. With strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork, our Geography Department equips students with the tools they need to analyse and interpret the world around them.

Skills: Students will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills e.g.
- Communication (oral and written)
- Using Mathematics
- Using ICT
- Self-Management effectively
- Working with Others decision making; and
- Problem Solving

GCSE

At GCSE we follow the CCEA specification for geography. The course is into 3 units:

Unit 1 - Understanding our Natural World (40%) – External Written Examination 1hour 30 minutes.
- River Environments
- Coastal Environments
- Our Changing Weather and Climate
- The Restless Earth

Unit 2 - Living in Our World (40%) - External Written Examination 1hour 30 minutes.
- Population and Migration
- Changing Urban Areas
- Contrasts in World Development
- Managing Our Environment

Unit 3 – Fieldwork (20%) - External Written Examination 1hour.

A-LEVEL

This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

At AS level students investigate physical and human geography themes. They explore the processes that shape weather, the relationships between population and resources or how to protect the countryside. They undertake fieldwork and develop their ability to gather, evaluate and present information.

Those who continue to A2 can explore plate tectonics, climate change, dynamic coastal environments or tropical ecosystems. They also investigate cultural geography, ethnic diversity or tourism. They develop decision-making skills and apply these in a real world scenario.

The specification has six units:
- Unit AS 1: Physical Geography
- Unit AS 2: Human Geography
- Unit AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques in Geography
- Unit A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management
- Unit A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
- Unit A2 3: Decision Making in Geography.

FURTHER EDUCATION & CAREERS

Studying Geography can prepare students for a range of careers in urban planning, cartography, GIS applications, climatology, hydrography, environmental management, weather forecasting, research, journalism, landscape architecture, surveying, aerial photography and teaching.

    Cartographer
    Census Data Analyst
    City Planner
    Climate Change Analyst
    Conservation Scientist
    Disaster Response Coordinator
    Ecologist
    Energy Consultant
    Environmental Consultant
    Environmental Lobbyist
    Field Researcher
    Geographical Researcher
    Geotourism Expert
    Green Energy Consultant
    Humanitarian Aid Worker
    Hydrologist
    Land Surveyor
    Real Estate Analyst

GALLERY

    Soil Scientist
    Sustainability Coordinator
    Topographic Surveyor
    Tourism Development Officer
    Transportation Planner
    Travel Consultant
    Urban Mobility Expert
    Urban Planner
    Water Source Manager
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